Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1887-01-28
THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT.


iy, land unless we can find way out
of our difficulties. Wen soon be going
over the hill to the poorhouse.
Jack sighed dsmally, and leaning
back in his armchair, drew down the
corners Of his mouth in way that
rendered him the picture of despair.
lis it so bad as that?" exclaimed his
pretty, rosv-checked wife sympatheti-
cally. I'VE will begin to save at once.
ought to have thought of it long ago."
SAID the little woman rcgretfuly.
Its all very well to talk about
saving. but how is il 10 he done when
our income is barely sufficient TO pro-
cure necessares?" said Jack. trying to
lorce smile.
I'VE will have to modify our views
concerning 'necessaries' There are
ever so many things that we m ght
manage to dispense with said Bess,
earnestly. In the first place. you
ought to give up smok NJ so many
cigars. and instead of buying your
dinner make up your mind to take
nice lunch"
No no. Bess! interrupted Jack.
impatientlv. Il must have cigars. and
the plan of carrying a cold lunch. just
like a common hod-carrier. isn't to be
thought OFF,
Jacks handsome face assumed n
decidedly ferocious expression. as he
thrust both hands into his pockets. and
paced the floor with rapid strides
1t was only suggestion. Jack. y
said Bess, placing her hand upon her
husbands shoulder. you are not
obliged to give up smoking. and | must
admit that a cold lunch would be likely
70 cause dyspepsia you shall do as
you think best. dear, and instead of adj
vising you to practice economy. | will
see what | can do toward lessening the
family expenses
''Of course. YOU must not do without
things that are really necessary said
Jack. considerably Modified. I'm fact, -"
he continued. II want YOU to feel that
you are at liberty to do exactly as you
please with every dollar that l give
you.
ii understand you perfectly. Jack. l
will not be at all backward about
spending money for what we really
need" said Bess with smile.
I'VE will talk over the matter again,
little one And Jack. evidently glad
that the matter was set aside for future
consideration. kissed his wife affection
Ately. and walked briskly up the street
toward his office.
As he approached the store where he
vas in the habit of buying his daily
supply of cigars, he slackened his gait
and malered;
- "He half mind to do without CT
gass for day. Let-me-see-that
viii be thirty cents saved. III dot"
Jack Immediately quickened his pace,
and passed the door. The first time
IN two years that have passed that
tor without going IN said Jack, as
be deposited three silver dimes in his
vest pocket IF each penny turns out
10 be seed, thirty cents ought to bring
out pretty good crop at the end of the
rear.
As the hours passed away, Jack was
conscious Of feeling very disconsolate
without MS accustomed cigar.
"lll have good square meal to
make up for it," he muttered, on his
NAV 10 rostaurant
Uponas arrival, he seated himself at
asmall table, and picking up bill of
fare, glanced over the list Of culinary
successes aud failures named thereon.
Jack hesiiatei a moment. then, turn
ing to the water who stood at re-
spectful distance, he said:
''Simmoas, bring me bowl of vege-
table SOUP aiew slices of bread. and
saucer OF rec pudding"
All rigaJ sab Wonder what's
come ober Masa Avery; / reckon de
tip top dimes am provn' too much
fur his digesilun." he muttered with
grin, as he deyered the order.
"Who woud have thought that /
could enjoy a'1thing like this'' said
Jack to himsei ~ he swallowed the
last spoonful donddnp. On his way
out OF the restaurant he placed fifty
cents upon the t,shier's desk, and re-
ceived thirty cer change.
Here you go skeep the cigar money
from getting honssck." said Jack. as
be dropped the aount into the side
pocket
On the way bac'to his Office he met
friend. He was n the point of ac-
companying his al1tation with the
words. Come int Burts and have
something to drin." when q voice
seemed to whisper.
stop jack yoi can't afford to
spend thirty &C Is 70 fancy drinks"
Zone Old fello,, what will you
haveP' asked The freud. as he turned